Superior Landscaping Program Sees High Application Volume

A Curb Appeal Program That Took Off

The City of Superior, Wisconsin, launched its Scenery and Home landscaping grant program to help homeowners upgrade their front yards, and applications poured in faster than expected. In the first 72 hours after the window opened, the city received 150 applications. By the end of the first week, that number had climbed above 200, and by the end of the month-long application period, 350 residents had applied.

What the Program Offers

Approved applicants receive custom landscaping packages from Missinne Greenhouse & Landscape, with values ranging from roughly $1,500 to $5,000 per property. The packages typically include:

• Plant material suited to Superior's northern climate
• Design consultation and layout services
• Installation by the landscaping partner
• Attention to curb appeal elements visible from the street

By delivering a fully designed and installed package rather than cash, the program ensures consistent quality and aesthetic impact across participating properties.

How Applicants Were Prioritized

With demand far exceeding available slots, the city narrowed the field to approximately 35 participants. Priority went to:

• Homes on corner lots, where front yards are visible from two streets
• Properties along major travel corridors through Superior
• Applicants with viable projects able to make use of the landscaping scope

These priorities were established by the city's Plan Commission when the program was created, with the goal of maximizing visual impact across the city for each dollar invested.

Why Application Volume Was So High

Superior's planning technician noted that roughly 95% of the applications received were viable, and that the program saw far more interest than typical city programs. Several factors likely drove the heavy response:

• The value of the package was substantial relative to typical homeowner landscaping budgets
• Applications were straightforward, with minimal documentation required
• Word spread quickly through local news outlets and social media
• The program addressed a real demand among homeowners who wanted to improve their properties but lacked the time, design expertise, or budget to do so alone

Benefits Beyond Curb Appeal

While the most visible outcome is improved yards, programs like Scenery and Home generate broader benefits:

• Increased property values for participants and neighboring homes
• Reinforcement of civic pride along key corridors
• Stronger relationships between the city and local businesses like Missinne Greenhouse & Landscape
• Greater engagement between residents and city staff on neighborhood quality

Lessons for Other Cities

Superior's experience holds useful lessons for other small and mid-sized cities considering similar programs:

• Pair municipal funding with a qualified local partner to control quality and pricing
• Publish clear priorities (e.g., corner lots or travel corridors) up front
• Be prepared for high application volumes and plan for a triage or lottery system
• Communicate expected award timelines to keep applicants informed

Looking Ahead

With strong initial interest, the city may consider expanding, repeating, or adjusting the program in future years. Interested Superior homeowners can follow the city's announcements through the local news media and the City of Superior's website for information on future application windows. Residents who applied in the first round but were not selected may be encouraged to reapply when a new cycle opens.